MASTER 
NEGATIVE 


NO 


91  -80356-9 


MICROFIL 


"i       '     f 


.*.     f      Jfc     J»  ,_«,#     JWr- 


^91 


COLUMBIA UNIVERSri\  LlliRARihb. StW YORK 


as  part  ortliu 

Foundations  oi   Vcsierii  Civilizaiion  Preservation  Project 


Funded  bv  the 


:^^ '  ^' g:;. iL  endowment  for  the  humanities 


Reproductions  may  not  be  made  vMihuui  permission  from 

C^^iinihia.  Universitv  Lihrar.' 


COPYRIGHT  STATEMENT 


The  copyright  law  of  tlie  United  Stales  --  Title  17,  United 

States  Code  -  concenis  the  making  of  photocopies  or  other 

productions  of  copyrighted  material  . 


Columbia  Universit}^  Librar\  re.ser\  es  the  right  to  refuse  to 

accept  a  cor  }■  order  itc  in  its'judgement,  fulfillment  of  the  order 

\\  ould  in\  i ^'"-        t^-ianon  of  the  copyright  law. 


AITTIOR: 


VIATER 


) 


m 


TITLE: 


ENDEAVOR  Tu 
REMOVE  DOUBTS 


PLA  CE : 


BRIMNGHAM 


DA  TE : 


1811 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 
PRESERVATION  DEPARTMENT 

BIBLIOGR AH  11 C  Mil  KujUkv;  i^uHFT 


Master  Negative  # 


Original  Material  as  Filmed  -  Existing  Bibliographic  Record 


944 
24 


Viater,  J. 

Endeavor  to- remove  doubts  and  prejudi 


ce 


nation'  ^  P--^ility  of  obtaxning  peace  with  all 
nations,   on  safe  and  honourable  terns. 
Biraingham  1611.  o.       I6p. 


by 


^i'^s^:i\ 


No.   8  of  a  vol. 


0 


of  pamphlets. 


Restrictions  on  Use: 

TECHMCATMTcROFORivTb^^ 

FILM     SIZE: ^^__/22£n  _  REDUCTION     RATIO:  ?/^ 

IMAGE  PLACEMENT:    lA    (g^    IB     IIB  _ 

DATE     FILMED: ig__LQ_-_gi_ INITIALS i=e__ 

FILMED  BY:    RESEARCH  PUBLICATIONS.  INC  WOODBRIDGE.  CT 

0 


%. 


^ 


A^'^ffc 


% 


% 


o 


t>^o.^ 


r 


Assiicialion  for  Information  and  Image  Management 

1 1 00  Wayne  Aven  ue.  Suite  1 1 00 
'  Silver  Spring,  Maryland  20910 

301/587-8202 


Centimeter 

12         3        4 

iiiiliiiiliiiiliiiiliiiiliiiiliiiili 


10       11        12       13       14       15    mm 


111 


rrr 


I  I  I 


5        6        7        8 

Mllillllllllllllllll|||l||l|llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 


rrrrj 


TTT 


lllllllll[llll|llli|llll[ll  Mil  llll  III! 


Inches 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


Urn    \  2-8 

2.5 

■  5.0 

1^      1    ^-2 

■iH        II    ^^ 

2.2 

■  a.3 

t   1" 

■^           4.0 

2.0 

1^ 

t      u 

L.ku. 

1.8 

1.4 

1.6 

MfiNUFRCTURED   TO   flllM   STflNOnRDS 
BY   APPLIED   IMAGE,     INC. 


J..  ,i.i 


H  ^  % 


AN 


ENDEAVOUR  TO  REMOVE 

DOUBTS    AND    PREJUDICE, 

By  shewing  the  PossibiUif 
OF  OBTAINING 

PE  AC 

WITH    ALL    NATIONS, 


ON  SAFE 


AND  HONOURABLE  TERMS; 


WITH  REMARKS 


On  War,  Peace,  Commerce,  t^c.  ^c. 


BY  J.  VIATER. 


Hear  both  parties,   tliqn  let  Justice  and  Humanity  hold  the  Scale. 


enteren  at  €)t.:tioner3  '^^SL 


:<9>. 


TlJiriuingljam : 

FEINTED    BY    11.    PEART    AND   CO.   :},^,   BULL-STRELT, 


1811. 


SSf 


AN  ENDEAVOUR  TO  REMOVE  DOUBTS,  4c. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


How  miiHifaroits  are  the  sentiments  and  dispositions  of 
man/and.  t/irouoh  ivhat  dijferent  mediums  do  they  view 
things.  How  various  their  ideas  and  coiiceptions;  and 
what  diversity/  of  conclusions  do  they  draw.  Truth  is  the 
aim  of  ever i/  cojtsiderate  mind ;  and  most  think  theij  possess 
it.  But  from  the  variety  of  opinions  entertained  on  the 
same  subjects,  it  is  clearlij  manifest  that  but  very  few  enjoy 
the  blessing.  Truth  being  but  one,  ivhen  two  differ  on  a 
subject  or  mode,  one  must  be  wrong.  If  a  Million  disagree, 
all  may  err,  yet  only  one  can  be  correctly  true.  The 
principal  causes  are  prejudice  from  Education,  and  drmv- 
ing  conclusions  without  evidence,  from  a  persuasion  of  their 
own  knowledge,  which  too  often  shuts  the  mind  agmmt 
conviction :  should  the  evidence  in  support  of  truth,  find 
it's  way,  few  are  willing  to  renounce  their  errors^  or  a 
confession  of  the  least  mistake.  Hence  many  are  driven  to 
the  use  of  evasion  or  sophistry ;  till  they  are  given  up  to 
self  delusion,  to  believe  the  grossest  absurdity :  common 
observation,  are  evident  proofs  of  the  same. 


A  S  a  just,  safe  and  lasting  peace  /*  attainahte,  and  that  it  is  not  so, 
•^^lias  not  as  yet  probably  been  decisively  ascertained,  it  may  most  truly 
be  obicrYcd^  that  there  is  no  country  luider  heaven  which  may  derive  such 
benefits  from  peace,  as  Great  Britain.  Possessed  of  a  marine,  superior 
to  that  of  all  the  rest  of  World;  and  of  the  most  extensive  colonial  ter- 
ritories that  ever  acknowledged  obedience  to  a  parent  state :  superior  in 
Capital,  in  Ingenuity,  in  Industry,  and  in  Mercantile  Probity,  I  liope  to 
add  f'irtue,  to  every  nation  upon  Earth ;  what  can  she  wish  for,  but  for 
that  fair  and  opeil  competition  in  which  she  may  be  left  to  the  free  exer- 
tion of  her  resources  and  the  full  use  of  her  energies.  In  a  state  of  War 
she  has  her  equals,  in  a  slate  of  Peace  she  has  noKe ;  It  may  be  ihe  policy 
of  a  country  slroiig  in  arms,  but  inferior  in  commerce  and  manufactures, 
to  promote  her  interests  by  force,  and  to  compel  other  countries  subject 
to,  or  dependant  upon  her,  to  rest  satisfied  with  such  articles  as  she  can 
furnish,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  superior  manufactures  of  other  countries  ; 
hut  of  this  Great  Britain  stands  in  no  need.  All  that  she  has  to  ask,  is  a 
fair  and  open  market,  ivltar  the  skill  of  her  Artificer's^  and  the  spirit  of  her 
Merchants,  may  have  their  proper  spliere  of  action.  This  the  restoration 
of  Peace  would  no  doubt  soon  afiord ;  and  by  this  happy  change,  some 
compensation  Avould  be  made  to  the  eountry,  for  the  disadvantages  aud 
losses  which  it  has  for  many  years  sustahied  on  account  of  the  War. 

The  present  grand  objection  to  peace  is,  that  if  it  were  once  established^ 
it  would  enable  France  to  raise  a  marine,  %  which  apprehensions  are 
enierthined,  she  mi^ht  overpower  the  British  Navy,  and  subjugate  th^ 
Country. 

France,  notwithstanding  her  increase  of  domhiion  and  extent  of  coast, 
is  not  naturally  disposed  to  become  a  great  naval  power.  Neither  her  iii^ 
terests,  nor  the  genius  of  her  inhabitants  incline  her  to  it. 

1^)  Great  Britain,  commerce  is  an  oltject  of  the  first  importance-  Ta 
France  it  is  only  secondary.  Abounding  with  almost  every  article  of  ne- 
cessity and  of  luxury,  she  can  in  a  great  measure,  dispense  with  foreign 
supplies ;  and  her  marine,  except  tvhen  slie  has  been  compelled  to  make  a 
few  temporary  efforts,  has  scarce  at  any  time  been  more  than  a  navy  of 
defence.  Even  in  her  most  prosperous  times,  and  under  Jthe  most  am- 
hitious  of  her  Sovereigns,  the  states  of  Holland  have  been  her  superiors ; 
a  circumstance  only  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  extent  of  her  maritime 
commerce,  and  the  naval  genius  of  their  inhabitants.  Apprehensions  it  is 
true  may  be  indulged  tiH  they  approach  to  insanity ;  and  they  who  have 

A  % 


(' 


contemplated  tlie  astoiiishing  atcliievonicnts  of  Buonaparte  l>y  land,  seem 
to  suppose  tlrdt  wh(*ii  he  turns  his  atten;ion  to  naval  aiiairs,  lie  would  iu- 
«^tantly  be  successful.     But  in  the  pnsent  situation  of  France,  the  chhs 
are  wholly  dissimilar.     In  contondini;  Wilh  t!ie  nations  on  tiie  contiuciii 
he  has  had  the  advantages  of  that  acJuiowlcdged  military  skill  natural  to 
the  French  Nation;  of  nnmliers,  in  general,  equal  at  least  to  most  of  his 
nemie^,  and  of  talents  concentrated  in  himself  ancf  his  chief  oHicfrs,  1k'- 
vond  all  that  modern  times  have  known.     By  sea  all  this  is,  at  present 
f  lactii/   the  reverse.     Neither   the   natural  inclination  of  the  peoph*,  the 
number  or  equipment  of  his  sliips  of  war,   including  those  of  ait  /lis  ailita, 
and  dependants,  nor  the  experience  and  skill  of  her  connnandcrs,  are  in 
any  degree  to  6f  compared  with  those  of  Great  Britain.     That  superiority 
which  we  at  present  cnjoi/,  a  state  of  peace  would  enable  us  not  only  to 
retuiny  hut  to  improve.     In  our  great   colonial  possessions   and  evteiiaive 
maritime  connnerce,  we  possess  advantages  beyond  any  thing  that  France 
can  boast  of;  and  as  these  are  the  primary  foundation  of  maritime  strength 
the  ratio  of  our  increase  in  a  state  of  peace,  must  independant  of  premnt 
.sHperiorifi/,  exceed  that  of  France,  in  a  degree  proportioned  to  the  su- 
perioritjj  of  our  resources.     Our  counnunders  and  seamen  tc»o,  distinguished 
by  naval  exploits  of  unexampled  luroism,  are  already  formed  by  loni,^ 
experience,  and  will  beat  all  times  ready  to  suppoit  the   glory  of  tlic 
Hritish  name;  whilst  the  naval  counnanders  of  France  yet  remain  to  l>o 
•reated,  ami  can  only  be  formed  by  a  long  series  of  hostile  discipline.     It 
j^  not  in  a  state  of  j)eace  that  such  atchieveuients  are  made  ;  and  therefore 
unless  France  be  compelled,  by  causes  which  may  probably  depend  upi*ii 
ourselves,  to  make  extraordinary  exertions  to  raise  a  navy,  and  Irahitu.ite 
her  orticers  and  crews  to  naval  discipline;  there  is  little  probability  that, 
in  this   respect,  she  will   ever  attemi)t  to  become  formidable  to  Great 
Britain. 

[f  the  building  of  ships  could  form  a  navy,  anrl  if  the  Frejich  ruler  be 
inclined  to  buihl  them,  he  may  acct>mpiish  it  at  various  ports,  in  his  own 
dominions,  or  of  those  of  his  alhes,  without  danger  of  their  being  destroy- 
ed by  the  British   Fleet,  even   if  his  harbours  were  more  exposed  ;  his 
immense  artillery  and  his  num»Tou<  armies,  might  be  employed  in  defend- 
•ng  them  against  any  hostile  attack,  until  he  had  raised  a  Fleet  which  lie 
might  suppose  sutticiently  powerful  to  contend  with  our  own.     However, 
J'rance  is  not  now  a  naval  power,  and  in  a  state  of  tranquility  would  be 
->iill  less  likely  to  attempt  it.     Sup[K»sing  that  Peace  between  France  and 
:ireat  Britain  were  establi.died,  it  is  not  the  task  of  a  Day,  a  Month,  or  a 
•  tar,  to  create  a  navv.     We  c<mld  at  all  times  observe  the  progress  ot  the 
i'leuch  in  their  dock  \ards  and  arsenals,  with  almost  as  nnuh  certainly 
IS  the  operations  are  conducted  in  our  own  ports;  and  if  *7  should  apptar 
ilmt  extraordinary  eflWts  were  nuikhig  to  increase  the  marine  of  France, 
fnyond  what  her  just  defence  and  the  protection  of  her  commerce  recpnreU, 
fre  should  then  be  justijied  in  enquiring  as  to  the  destination  of  such  force f 
ind  if  a  satisfactory  explanation  were  not  given,  shouhl  have  an  undoubted 
right  to  endeavour  to  prevent  and  stop  such  preparations,  or  to  recoin- 
iueucc  tiie  war.     It  appeared  that  during  the  two  years  of  peace  no  >utli 


armaments  in  the  ports  of  France  and  Holland  as  had  been  alledged,  had 
taken  place,  nor  no  measures  had  been  adopted  to  prepare  that  navy,  with 
which  they  were  to  overwhelm  the  Heets  of  Great  Britan  and  to  subjugate 
the  Country. 

Notwithstanding  the  present  hostility  between  Great  Britain  and 
France,  there  is  reason  to  hope  that  by  a  seasonable  and  temperate  ex- 
position of  the  views  *of  the  two  countries,  the  foundation  might  be  laid 
for  that  slate  of  tranquility  which  is  so  greatly  the  interest  of  both, 
Whatever  may  be  the  language  of  Bonuaparteiu  regard  to  ships,  colonies 
and  connnerce,  these  are  not  the  objects  to  which  his  views  will  probably 
be  directed.  Much  as  he  has  already  done,  much  yet  remains,  even  after 
the  restoration  of  peace,  to  consolidate  and  secure  his  newly  acquired 
dominions,  to  ascertain  the  relations  and  contirm  the  fidelity  of  his  de- 
pendant states,  and  to  lay  tirm  the  f(»undation  of  lliat  monarchy  of  which 
lie  is  ambitious  to  be  tiui  founder.  If  we  interfere  not  with  him  in  these 
transactions  (and  it  has  abundantly  appeared  that  alUouj  opposition  ex- 
cepting Spain  and  Portugal  whom  we  now  assist  has  yc  t  proved  ineffectual) 
he  is  not  likely  to  entertain  the  vain  hope  of  rivalling  that  njaritime  supe- 
riority, of  which  if  he  were  to  attempt  to  deprive  us,  his  eiforts  it  is  hoped 
and  presumed  would  be  in  vain. 

That  this  supposition  is  well  founded,  appears  from  the  uniform  tenor 
of  a  late  negociation,"  by  the  olfer  on  the  part  of  France,  not  only  to 
sunender  Hanover  and  Malta,  but  to  relinquish  to  us  her  territories  in 
the  East  Indies,  to  add  to  our  possessions  in  the  West,  and  to  guarantee 
to  us  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  If  it  had  !)een  the  object  of  France  to 
increase  her  maritime  strength  and  her  colonial  territories,  would  hex 
ruler  have  proposed  to  surrender  lu^r  foreign  possessions  to  this  Country  { 
Or  would  he  not  rather  on  the  contrary,  have  gni.^j)ed  at  those  distant  ac- 
quisitions, and  have  sought  in  the  plunder  <d' Holland  ct  other  countries  to 
have  added  to  the  colonial  possessions  of  France  I  On  the  contrary  it  may 
with  propriety  be  inferred,  that  if  he  has  proposed  thus  to  add  to  our  co- 
lonial aud  maritime  strength,  there  is  no  serious  reason  to  be  apprehensive 
he  has. any  intention  of  contending  for  it.  Would  it  not  probably  be  more 
advantageous  for  this  country,  if  instead  of  ainiuig  so  much  at  continential 
influence  and  connections,  wedidy  Cotimate  our  own  interests,  importance, 
and  seeuriti/,  we  may  regard  all  the  <'iforts  of  France  to  rival  us,  as  a 
niaritime  p<j\\er  bv  the  blessing;  of  Providence  vviUiout  dismav.  In  a 
political  point,  of  view,  EuroiJe  i-.  irreatly  elimiired  vNithin  the  cour>e  of 
the  last  20  jears  ;  few  probably  will  object  to  tlje  following  supposilioii. 


*  Further  information  concerning  this  negociatlon,  mai/  he  seen  in  a 
IVct^k,  entitled,  "  Considerati(»ns  on  the  causes  and  crinsequences  of  the 
present  War,  and  on  the  expediency,  or  the  danger  of  Peace  with  France." 
By  William  Roscoe,  Esq.  Printed  by  J.  iM'Crefry,  Fhtt-sirtet,  forT. 
Cadell,  and  IV.  Davis,  Strand,  London,  I  SOS  ;  from  the  Utter  part  of 
nhich  Work,  the  major  part  oj  the  foregoing,  with  ^amt  additions,  <^t.  is 
fiiracltd. 


6 


viz.  had  those  immense  sums  wliich  havr  hcen  cx|)cnde(i,  in  war,  been  ap- 
propriated in  promotiii!];  tlie  arts,  the  agriculture,  and  the  iiifenial  oecommiv 
of  tliii  couutry,  wc  should  have  raised  ourselves  to  justly  m<Mited  euiiutjico 
and  shouhl  huveadifed  to  our  real  streni^ih,  iiuportauce  aiid  respectalMiity. 
Let  us  establish  and  consolidate,  on  priiu-iples  of  justice,  lumianily  &  muiimj 
intercourse,  our  foreign  posseisions  and  colonies,  and  adopt  such  a  pr.jicv 
with  resp«H-t  to  them  as  may  give  ad(htionid  vii:;our  to  our  manufactures,  and 
additional  employment  to  our  i!ommerce.     By  u  dignifiec!,   hut  just  innl 
conciliatory  coadiict  to  neutral  states :    let  us  dissip;.te  all  suspicions  and 
animosities.       Wliat     would     then     be   the  situation    of   this   C(»unlrv{ 
Standing  on  her  own  ftinndation,  independant  of  foreign  allies ;  e\ten(!ii)« 
herself  by  her  commerce,  on  tlic  one   hand  to  the  F^ast,  on  the  oilier  lo 
tlie  West ;  herself,   the  Emporeum  of  ihz   World,     In   this  conduct,  wc 
probably  should  tiud,  not  only  our  interest  but  our  safety,  and  be  erjual- 
ly  at  all  times  prepared,  either  for  Peace  or  U  ar.     The  increase  of  ct)in- 
merce  will  Im?  attended  with  an  increase  of  the  maritime  strength  of  the 
state.     Those  apprehensions  which  opi^rate  so  forcibly  on  the  Meak  and 
timid,  that  Fiance  in  the  event  of  peace  may  n\al  us  in  our  naval  glorv, 
will  be  effectually  removed.     We   have  now  in   our  i>o\ver  the  means  of 
great  irational  prosperity ;  with  our  inanul'actures  at  home,  with  our  iniu- 
kets  in  the  East  and  West  Indies  ;  with  the  imports  from  the  colonies,  and 
that  intercourse  with  the  rest  of  the  world  which  these  advantagis   w  ill  al- 
ways command,  who  can  contend  (in  a  natur;d  point  of  view)  with  us  ?  At 
the  same  time  the  instruments  of  our  prosperity,  are   the  instruments  of 
our  saiety,  and  the  increase  of  our  navy,  as  before  observed,  the  increase 
of  our  strength,  and  our  true  interest  would  be   to  meet   the  bounties  of 
Providence,  and  to  improve  its  blessings  ;  and  if  laudable  and  practicable 
means  are  adopted,  there  is  great  probability  of  preventing  future  ca- 
lamities.    For  since  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution  in  France,  mil- 
lions of  human  beings,  sharers  of  the  same  nature,  warmed  with  the  same 
hopes,  and  as  fondly  attached  to  life  as  ourselves,  have  been  |)rematurcly 
swept  into  the  grave ;  each  of  whose   deaths    has    probably  pierced  the 
heart  of  a  wife,   a  parent,    a  brother,   or  a  sister.     How  many  of  these 
scenes  of  complicated  distress  have  occured  since  the  epoch  before  stated, 
is  known  only  to  the  Lord  :   but  that   they  are  inimmeralde  cannot  admit 
of  a  doubt.     In  some  parts  of  Europe,  perhaps,  there  is  scarcely  a  family 
exempt  \ 

Though  the  whole  race  of  man  is  doomed  to  dissoUition,  and  we  are  all 
hastening  to  our  long  home ;  yet,  at  each  successive  moment,  life  and 
death  seem  to  divide  betwixt  them  the  dominion  of  mankind,  and  life  to 
have  the  larger  share.  It  is  otherv.ise  in  war :  death  reigns  there  without  a 
rival,  and  vvitliout  controul.  War  is  the  Work,  the  element,  or  rather  the 
sport  and  triumpii,  of  death,  who  glories  not  only  in  the  extent  of  his 
conquest,  but  in  the  richness  of  Iiis  sj>oil.  [n  the  other  methods  of  at- 
tack, in  the  other  forms  which  death  assumes,  the  feeble  and  the  aged, 
who,  at  the  best,  can  live  but  a  short  time,  are  usually  the  victims  ;  but 
here  it  is  the  vigorous  and  the  strong.  It  is  remarked  by  the  most  ancient 
9f  poets,  that  in  peace  children  bm\y  their  parents,  but  in  war  parents 


hury  their  children :  nor  is  the  diflerence  small.  Children  lament  their  pa- 
rents, sincerely,  indeed,  but  v\ilii  that  moderate  and  tranquil  sorrow^ 
which  is  natural  for  those  to  feci  who  are  conscious  of  retaining  many 
tender  ties,  many  animating  prospects.  Parents  mourn  for  their  children 
wiih  the  bitterness  of  dispair ;  the  ai,ed  parent,  the  widowed  mother,  loses, 
wlwn  she  is  deprived  of  her  children,  everi/  thing  but  the  capacity  of  suf- 
fering; her  heart,  withered  and  desolate,  admits  no  other  object,  cherish- 
OS  IK*  other  hope. 

But  to  coj)hiKM)ur  attention  to  the  number  of  the  slain,  would  give  us 
a  very  i>wde<pjate  idea  of  the  ravages  of  the  sword.  The  lot  of  those 
who  perish  iustautaneously  mav  be  considered  (apart  from  religious  pros- 
pects) as  comparativtly  happy,  since  they  are  exempt  from  those  slow 
diseases  and  lijigering  torments  to  which  others  are  liable.  We  cannot 
see  an  indi\  idual  expire,  whether  a  stranger,  or  an  enem?/,  without  being 
sensiblv  moved,  and,  prompted  by  compassion  to  lend  every  assistance  in 
our  power.  Every  trace  of  rest  ntment  then  \anishes  hi  a  moratnt,  every 
other  emotion  gives  way  to  pity  and  svni)athy.  In  these  /«sf  extremi- 
ties, we  remember  nothing  but  the  respect  aiid  tenderness  due  to  our  com- 
mon nature.  What  a  scene,  then,  must  a  field  of  battle  present,  where 
thousands  are  left  without  assistance,  and  without  pity,  with  their  wounds 
exposed  to  the  piercing  air,  while  the  blood  freezing  as  it  flows,  binds 
them  to  the  earth,  amidst  the  trampling  of  horses,  and  the  insults  of  an  en- 
raged foe !  If  they  are  spared  l)>  the  humanity  of  the  enemy,  and  carried 
from  the  field,  it  is  but  a  prolongation  of  torment.  Conveyed  in  uneasy 
vehicles,  often  to  a  remote  distance,  through  roads  almost  impassable, 
they  are  lodged  in  receptacles  ill  prepared  for  the  wounded  and  the  sick, 
where  the  varieties  of  distress,  batHes  all  the  efforts  of  humanity  and  skill, 
and  render  it  impossible  to  give  each  the  attention  his  situation  demands. 
Far  from  their  native  home,  no  tender  assiduities  of  friendship,  no  well- 
known  voice,  no  wife,  or  mother,  or  sister  is  near,  to  sooth  their  sorrows, 
relieve  their  thirst,  or  close  their  eyes  in  death !  Unhappy  man  !  and  must 
thou  be  swept  into  the  grave,  unnoticed  and  unnumbered,  and  no  friendly 
tear  be  shed  for  thy  suficrings,  or  mingled  with  thy  dust? 

Let  it,  however,^  be  remembered,  that  as  a  very  small  portion  of  the 
miVii'dry  \i{e\6Siieni'm  actual  combat,  so  a  very  small  part  of  its  miseries 
must  be  ascribed  to  that  source.  More  are  consumed  by  the  rust  of  inac- 
tivity than  by  the  edge  of  the  sword ;  confined  to  a  scanty  or  unwhole- 
some diet,  exposed  in  sickly  climates,  harrassed  with  tiresome  marches, 
and  peq)etual  alarms,  their  life  is  a  continual  scene  of  hardships  and  dan- 
gers. They  grow  famdiar  with  hunger,  cold  and  watchfulness  ;  crowded 
into  hospitals  and  prisons,  contagion  si)reads  amongst  their  ranks,  till  the 
ravages  of  disease  exceed  those  of  the  enemy. 

We  have  hitherto  only  adverted  to  the  suflferings  of  those  who  are  en- 
gaged in  the  profession  of  arms,  without  taking  into  our  account  the  situa- 
tion of  the  countries  which  are  the  scene  of  hostilities.  How  dreadful 
to  hold  every  thing  at  the  mercy  of  an  enemy,  and  to  receive  life  itself  as 
a  boon,  dependant  on  the  sword.  How  boundless  the  fear  which  such  a 
situation  must  inspire,  where  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  are  determmed 


8 

by  no  known  laws,  principles  or  customs,  and  no  conjecture  can  be  form- 
ed of  our  destiny,  except  so  far  as  it  is  dimly  decyphered  in  tin?  characters 
of  blood,  in  the  dictates  of  revenge,  or  the  caprices  of  p(>wer.  Conceive 
but  for  a  moment  the  consternation  which  the  approach  of  an  in vadin^j  ar- 
my would  impress  on  the  peaceful  villages  in  this  neighbourhood.  \Vhen 
you  have  placed  yourselves  for  an  instant  in  that  situation,  you  will  learn 
to  sympathize  with  those  unliappy  countries  which  have  sustained  the  ru- 
vages  of  arms.  But  how  is  it  possible  to  give  an  idea  of  these  horrors? 
Here  you  iK'hold  rich  harvests,  the  bounty  of  Heaven,  and  the  rew;ird  of 
industry,  consumed  in  a  moment,  or  trampled  under  foot,  while  famine 
and  pestilence  follow  the  steps  of  desolation.  There  the  cottages  of  pea- 
sants  are  given  up  to  the  flames  ;  husbands  and  sons  taken  captive,  and 
oft  compelled  to  fight  against  their  own  khulred  ;  mothers  expiring  thro' 
fcar,  not  merely  for  themselves,  but  for  their  infants  also ;  inhabitants  tlv- 
ing  with  their  helpless  babes  in  all  directions,  miserable  fugitives  on  their 
native  soil!  In  another  part  you  witness  opulent  cities  taken  by  storm; 
the  streets  where  no  sounils  were  heard  but  those  of  |>eaceful  industry, 
filled  on  a  sudden  with  slaughter  aiul  blood,  resounding  with  the  cries  of 
the  pursuing  and  the  pursued ;  the  palaces  of  nobles  demolished,  the 
houses  of  the  rich  pillaged,  the  chastity  of  virgins  and  of  matrons  violated, 
and  every  age,  sex,  and  rank,  mingled  in  promiscuous  massacre  and 
ruin. 

To  acknowledge  tlie  hand  of  God  is  a  duty  indeed  at  all  times ;  hut 
there  are  seasons  when  it  is  made  so  bare,  that  it  is  next  to  impossible, 
and  therefore  signally  criminal,  to  overlook  it-  It  h  almost  unnecessary 
to  add,  that  the  present  is  one  of  those  seasons.  If  ever  wc  are  expected 
to  l>e  still,  and  know  that  the  Lorfl  he  is  God,  it  is  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, at  a  crisis  so  unexampled  in  the  annals  of  the  world,  during  which, 
scenes  have  been  disclosed,  and  events  have  arisen,  more  astonishing  than 
any  that  history  has  furnished,  or  romance  could  feign ;  that  we  are  com- 
pelled to  lose  sight  of  human  agency,  and  to  acknowledge,  that  herein 
"  is  the  finger  of  God" 

The  contest  in  which  we  have  been  lately  engaged,  is  distinguished  from 
all  others  in  modern  times,  by  the  nundKT  of  nations  it  has  embraced, 
and  the  animosity  with  which  it  has  been  conducted.  Making  its  first  a])- 
pearance  in  the  center  of  the  civilized  world,  like  a  fire  kindled  in  the 
thickest  part  of  a  forest,  it  spread,  during  ten  years,  on  every  side,  burnt 
in  all  directions,  gathering  fresh  fury  in  its  progress,  till  it  enwrapped  the 
whole  of  Europe  in  its  flames,  an  awful  sjwctacle  to  behold !  What  place 
can  we  point  out  to  which  its  efl'ects  have  not  extended!  Where  is  the 
nation,  the  family,  the  mdividual,  I  might  almost  say,  who  has  not  felt  its 
direful  influence. 

If  vou  had  wished  to  figure  to  yourselves  a  country  which  had  reached 
the  utmost  pinnacle  of  prosperity,  you  would  have  undoubtedly  turned 
your  eyes  towards  France,  as  she  a])peared  a  few  years  before  the  revolu- 
tion; illustrious  in  learning  and  genius;  the  favorite  abode  of  the  aris, 
and  the  mirror  of  fashion,  whither  the  fl<iwcr  of  the  nobility  from  all 
countries  resorted,  to  acquire  the  last  jmlish  of  which  the  huniau  charactiT 


\ 


9 


is  susceptible  ;  lulled  in  voluptuous  repose,  and  dreaming*  of  a  philosophi- 
cal millenium,  without  dependence  upon  God. 

In  that  exuberant  soil  every  thing  appeared  to  flourish  bui  religion  and 
virtue.  The  season,  however,  was  at  length  arrived,  when  the  Lord  per- 
mitted them  to  suflTer  for  their  impiety.  And  what  jiiethod  did  he  employ 
for  this  purpose  ?  When  he  to  whom  vengeance  belongs,  when  he  whose 
ways  ar«  unsearchable,  and  whose  wisdom  is  inexhaustible,  proceeded  to 
the  execution  of  l\\h  strange  work,  he  drew  from  his  treasures  a  weapon 
he  had  never  employed  before ;  that  their  punishment  might  appear  as 
sit'nul  as  their  crimes,  he  neither  let  loose  an  inundation  of  barbarous  na- 
lions,  nor  the  desolating  powers  of  the  universe :  he  neither  overwhelmed 
them  with  earthquakes,  nor  visited  them  with  pestilence ;  but  summoned 
from  among  themselves  a  ferocity  more  terrible  than  either,  a  ferocity 
which,  mingling  in  the  struggle  for  liberty,  and  borrowing  aid  from  that 
veiT  refinement  to  which  it  seemed  to  be  opposed,  turned  every  man's 
hand  against  his  neighbour,  and  sparing  no  age,  nor  sex,  nor  rank,  till 
satiated  with  the  ruin  of  greatness,  the  distress  of  innocence,  and  the  tears 
of  beauty. 

It  probably  may  be  asked  what  caused  the  miseries  experienced  on  the 
continent  ?  The  answer,  melancholy  as  it  is,  ought  not  to  be  concealed, 
that  Christendom  has  fallen,  even  with  the  bible  in  her  hands,  into  a 
dreadful  state  of  infidelity,  respecting  the  contents  of  that  Holy  Book, 
and  that  the  present  unparalleled  calamities  under  which  she  groans,  are 
at  once  the  miserable  fruits,  ?ind  the  manifest  proofs,  of  her  unfaithfulness. 
Departing  with  her  affections  from  the  wisdom  and  order  of  the  most 
HIGH  GOD,  as  made  known  in  His  Word,  she  departed  at  the  same  time, 
from  the  blessings  of  the  divine  presence,  and  the  securities  of  the  divine 
power,  with  which  that  wisdom  and  order  are  ever  connected  and  encbm-. 
passed ;  and  falling,  of  inevitable  consequence,  under  the  guidance  and 
government  of  her  own  self-derived  intelligence,  which  she  had  the  folly 
to  substitute  in  the  place  of  revealed  truth,  she  plunged  from  that  instant 
down  the  precipice  of  her  ruin,  until  she  reached  by  degrees  the  deep 
abyss  of  her  present  miseries,  which  are  the  natural  and  necessary  oftspring 
and  tormentors  of  human  abilities,  talents  and  science,  when  separatecl 
from  their  Divine  Original. 

May  it  be  our  wisdom  to  take  warning,  'ere  it  be  too  late,  from  the  sad 
example  before  our  eyes  !  may  it  be  our  awful  monitm-  and  instructor, 
that  the  word  of  god  alone  contains  and  conveys  the  principles  oi hu- 
man sccuriti/,  by  convincing  us  that  tlie  limit  of  judgment  is  precisely  de- 
fined, and  that  we  can  only  perish  by  trusting  in  ourselves  more  than  in 
God;  that  it  is  not  any /«?zc/Vy/ greatness  of  national  character,  howso- 
ever pre-eminent  they  may  stand  ui  political  wisdom  and  discernment ; 
neither  is  it  our  military  skill  and  courage,  whatsoever  distinction  in  these 
respects  we  may  have  acquired  ;  still  less  is  it  the  increase  of  the  public: 
revenue,  the  extent  of  our  dominions,  or  the  variety  of  our  resources, 
which  can  alone  secure  our  prosperity,  and  preserve  us  from  destruction : 
for  in  regard  to  these  and  like  dependencies,  we  may  adopt  the  language 
<>f  ancient  wisdom,  *<  There  is  no  restraint  to  th<  Lord,  to  save  bi/  manf 

B 


/ 


■,  -n.,,  ,,.;■!.■  .sji.  ;^Sy|55?^:Sjtf^5;I^58f n:,5f«!g-;|epS^ 


10 

or  hy  few"  1  Sam.  xiv.  v.  6. — ^The  question  does  not  even  turn  upon  our 
natwnel  religion,  di  mere  lip  asae fit  to  the  doctrines  of  revelation,  and  a 
mere  tserbel  confession  of  faith  giounded  in  such  assent;  experience  (Us 
nionstiates  the  sad  possibility,  that  a  man  may  repeat  a  national  creed, 
and  yet  have  no  religion. 

The  enquiry,  therefore,  is  virtually  this :  Have  we  ani/  religion,  or 
have  we  no  relij^ion  1  For  if  we  have  no  sight,  no  senso,  no  liorror  at,  no 
detestation  of  those  abominationsy  tiiose  anti-christian  principles  ami 
practices  in  the  world,  which  are  contrary  to  the  word  and  the  holiness  of 
JESUS  CHRIST,  we  may  then  take  it  for  an  undeniable  truth,   that  as 

yet  we  have  Jio  religion,  let  our  profesaion  be  what  it  will But  if  we 

<ni7^  repent  of  our  sins,  and  turn  uqto  that  manifested  Saviour  jesus 
CHRIST,  for  renii.>sion,  purification,  redemption,  and  regeneration,  by 
fulfilling  his  holy  and  eternal  laws— we  may  rest  assured  no  dangers  can 
approach  us ;  for,  *'  Who  is  he  that  shall  harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of 
that  which  is  good.''  1  Pet.  iii.  v.  13.  and  again,  *'  IVhen  a  mans  icays 
please  the  Lord,  he  maketh  even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him.' 
Prov.  xvi.  V.  7. 

Although  all  wars  are  inimical  to  the  peace  of  society,  contrary  to  the 
laws  of  God,  and  to  the  prosperity  of  the  world,  yet  we  are  not  to  say, 
that  every  nation,  or  person  engaged  therein,  is  from  an  evil  principle. 
Ko ;  if  an  individual  be  justified  in  defending  himself  and  property,  agaiust 
the  thief  or  murderer — so  likewise  is  a  kingdom  in  its  defensive  and  offen- 
sive operations,  against  any  other  nation  attempting  its  injury  or  destruc- 
tion ;  and  also  when  solicited  to  assist  a  neighbouring  kingdom,  exposed 
to  the  unjust  attacks  of  some  powerful  tyrant.  It  will  be  impossible  ta 
justify  a  national  war,  upon  any  other  grounds  than  these.  Permit  me  to 
advise  every  reader  to  cultivate  true  patriotic  principles  and  mutual  affec- 
tion. The  country  where  we  are  born,  live,  and  enjoy  our  temporal, 
earthly,  social,  and  religious  blessings,  ought  to  share  our  regards ;  all  llic 
powers  and  abilities  we  possess,  should  be  devoted  to  its  prosperity  ami 
Ijappiness. 

In  contemplating  the  vicissitudes  of  human  power,  there  is  something 
that  irresistibly  fills  the  mind  with  awe.  When  we  look  back  to  what  was 
the  stale  of  Europe  a  few  centuries  ago,  and  contrast  it  with  what  ive  are 
now  spectators  of,  have  we  not  sufficient  cause  to  say,  "  Great  and  mar- 
vellous are  thy  works.  Lord  God  Almighty  I  Just  and  true  are  thy  ways, 
thou  King  of  saints ;  therefore  let  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  fear  God, 
and  give  glory  to  him,  for  the  hour  of  his  judgment  is  come,'*  Rev,  xiv.  7. 
XV.  3. 

Such  remarkable  changes  excite  in  the  minds  of  many,  sentiments  of  re- 
verential awe,  as  if  a  divine  hand  were  sensibly  exhibited  before  their 
eyes.  They  view  with  astonishment  the  convulsions  of  society,  the  change 
of  empire,  and  the  dreadful  scenes  of  desolation,  which  are  still  in  pr^'- 
gression,  and  which  still  threaten  the  ancient,  yet  tottering  establishnunls 
of  man.  Without  being  able  to  trace,  from  the  visible  eftects  cromling 
upon  them,  those  hidden  causes  which  are  alone  adequate  to  produce? 
them,  some  naturally  enough  ascribe  them  either  to  the  ambition  ot  ^n  lu- 


I 


11 


^\^?.„.a.,  or  to  the  sagacity  of  his  eo-adjutors;  while  some  again  consider 
(he  whole  as  the  necessary  consequence  of  mere  corruption  in  the  fallen, 
and  falling  states :  in  either  of  which  cases  human  prudence,  or  impru- 
dence, is  held  up  to  view  as  every  thing,  and  the  divine  providence  as  no- 
thing.    Others  there  are,  who,  being  struck  with  amazement  at  the  i-api- 
ditv,  as  well  as  the  extent  of  the  changes,   find   themselves  compelled  to 
acknowledge  something  of  a  supernatural  agency  directing  the  course  of 
human  aihiirs,  and  thereby  accomplishing  the  divine  purpose:  but  being 
alike  ignorant  of  the  connection  subsisting  between    causes  and  eftects, 
and  of  the   established  order  by,  and  according  to  which  the  divinb 
AGENT  uniformly  md  invariably  eftects  his  will;  they  rashly  ascribe  to 
the  same  all-merciful  and  benevolent  Being,  both  the   evil  and  the  good, 
the  calamity,  and  the  blessing;  forgetting  that  "  Out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Most  High,  proceedfth  not  oH  and  good.  "  Lr.m.  iii.  38.     But  that  the 
Lord  is  good  to  all,  and  that  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  Works." 
Psalm  cxlv.  9. 

It  must  appear  very  Evident  to  a  reflecting  mind,  that  some  most  extra- 
ordinary chanj:e  has  taken  place  in  almost  every  nation  in  Christendom, 
j)ailicularly   with  respect  to   the  liberty  of  thinking  about   religious  sub- 
jects :  this  spiritual  freedom,  finding  the  most  inv(!terate  obstacles,  to  its 
free  reception  on   the  continent,   from  causes  before  mentioned,  an  alarm- 
ing state  of  desolation  ensued,  which  swept  away  the  whole  fabric  of  this 
ancient  institution,  and  at  length  produced  that  great  result;  for  the  sake 
of  which  no  doubt,    the  preceding  convulsions  were  permitted,  namely, 
the  present  separation  of  the  Gallican  church  from  the  spiritual  power  of 
the  Pope,  against  which,  indeed  that  nation  had  long  contended,  but  here- 
tofore without  success.     This  new   situation  of  reiigious  liberty,  as  it  ef- 
fects the  spiritual  and  eternal  interests   of  so  great  a  portion  of  the  inhabi- 
tunts  of  Europe,  is  of  infinitely  more  importance  than  many  have  been  led 
to  suppose,  (although  the  accomplishment  has  been  attended  with  dread- 
ful scenes)  nevertheless  it   claims  the  tribute  of  gratitude  aiid  adoration 
to  that  wise  and  merciful  Being,  who  in  all  his  dispensations  to  man,  elicits 
good  out  of  real  or  apparent  evil,  and  finally  leads  to  himself,  all  who  are 
^^illingtobe  led. 

Who  could  have  supposed  in  so  short  a  period,  to  have  seen  the  sub- 
version of  monasteries,  the  ruin  of  their  priesthood,  and  the  complete  dis- 
solution of  the  papal  power;  and  in  all  probability  will  be  succeeded  by 
similar  events  in  some  other  nations,  for  Divine  prophecy  will  be  fulfilled. 
For  that  very  power  which  once  compelled  an  Emperor  of  Germany  to 
wait  whole  days,  barefooted,  at  the  gate  of  the  pontifical  palace,  humblv^ 
imploring  to  be  again  admitted  into  the  bosom  of  the  church;  of  which 
power  all  Europe  trembled,  is  annihilated,  by  the  descendant  of  a  mean  in- 
habitant of  a  small  island  in  the  Mediterranean !  Permitted  by  that 
invisible  hand  which  executes  all  its  pur])oses  among  men  after  the  coun- 
sel of  his  own  will — who  "  raises  the  poor  from  the  dunghill,  that  he  may 
set  him  among  the  ptyices  of  his  peojik."  1  Sara.  ii.  8. 

We  see  this  extraordinary  man  disposing  of  crowns  and  sceptres,  and 
humbling  to  the  very  dust  the  most  monstroui  power  that  ever  a|>peared 

B  2 


12 


13 


upon  earth,  and  who  profesited  to  he  the  followers  of  him  who  was  "  meel 
aiid  lowly  in  iieart ;  who  came  into  this  world  "  not  to  destroy  men's  lives, 
but  tosave.'y  Luke  ix.  56. 

Amidst  the  crimes  and  calamiiits  of  the  present  age.  it  is  great  consola- 
tion to  a  reflecting  mmd,  such  a  loide  field  of  utility  as  that  which  Divine 
Providence  has  opened  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible   Society,  which 
was  first  adojited,  in  the  metropolis  of  England,  and  is  aiihid  hy  great  num- 
bers of  all  dawminations,  in  several  cities  and  towns  in  the  Uuited  King^ 
dcnus ;  the  luunbcr  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  already  distributed  at  home 
and  abroad,  are  innuense— it  is  hoped  subscriptions  will  continually  be  ad- 
ded. Its  formation  w  iil  constitute  a  new  icrea  in  the  History  of  Religion.  For 
whereever  the  Scriptures  are  generally  read,  the  standard  of  morals  is  raised, 
the  public  mind  is  expanded,  a  si)irit  of  enquiry  is  excited,  and  the  sphere 
of  intellectual  vision   inconceivablij  enlarged.     It   gives  us  to  reflect,  that 
w  hile  the  fairest  portion  of  the  globe  has  fallen  a  prey  to  that  guilty  and 
restless  ambition,  from  causes   before  described  ;  which,  by  the  inscruta- 
ble wisdom  of  providence,  is  permitted  for  a  time  to  take  peace  from  the 
C'drth;  this  favoured  country  is  emi)!oyed  in  spreading  the  triumphs  of  truth 
multipli/iifg  the  means  of  imtr  action,  and  openhig  som7t  ^5  of  consolation  to 
an  afflicted  world.     In  these  eventful  limes,  so  pregnant  ivilb  dijjicnltits 
and  dangers,  it  is  hoped  the  luunerous  and  w  orthy  jiromotcrs  of  tins  most 
noble  institution,  viz.  Tlie  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  will  use  their 
utmost  exertion  to  extend  their  benevolent  eflbrts  yet  i\irther,by  miiiiv^evny 
laudable  and  practicable  attempt  to  restore  peace  and  tranquility  to  a  dis^ 
tracted  and  disturbed  world.     This  pruise-worthy  undertaking  of  the  So- 
ciety, for  promoting   the  extensive  circulation  of  the  Christian  Scriptures, 
or  Revealed  Will  of  the  Creator,  are  acts  of  infinite  importance,  and  which 
Sacred  Repository,  teach  us  to  ascribe  no  value  to  any  works,  but  those 
of  true  piety  and   virtue.     They  teach   us  to  worship  God  in  spirit 
and  in   truth ;    to  love  him   supremely ;    to  be  grateful  for  his  favours, 
and   resigned  to  his  dispensations;  to   trust  in   his   mercy,  and   rejoice 
ip  his    government;    to   dismiss   all  anxious   cares  and   apprehensions; 
and   having  employed    the   means  which  infinite  wisdom  has   apiH)inte(l, 
to  leave  the  event   witli  infinite  goodness.     They  teach  us  to  love  our 
neighbour  as  ourselves;  to  forgive  him  when  he  has  injured  us;  to  bear 
with  his  infirmities,  and  to  excuse  his  follies ;  to  w  ecp  w  ith  him  in  his  (hs- 
tresses;  when  he  is  in  want,  to  aflbrd  him  our  assistance,  and  to  i\o  to 
Mm  as  we  should  thhik  it  iitaml  reasonable  that  he  should  do  tons.  They 
teach  us  to  love  even  our  enemies,  and  to  render  them  otfices  of  kindness^ 
when  their  circumstances  call  for  commisseration.     They  teach  us  to  go- 
vera  our  appetites  and  passions,  to  be  chaste,  humble,  and   temperate. 
They  teach  children  to  reverence  and  obey  their  parents,  and  parents  to 
love,  instruct,   and  provide  for  their  children.     They  teach  the  husband 
coi^jugal  fidelity   and  affection;  and  the  wife,  the  peculiar  duties  of  her 
station,  and  the  amiable  virtues  which  adorn  the  sex  aiid  bless  the  mar- 
riage union.     They  teach  masters  lenity,  and  servants  faithfulness.    They 
teach  rulers  to  exercise  their  authority  for  tlie  public  good  ;  and  persons  m 
private  life,  not  to  withhold  honour  and    submission  from   those   under 
whose  wise  and  just  admiuistrution  they  lead  quiet  and  peaceable  fives 


In  short,  the  affluent  and  the  poor,  the  prosperous  and  the  afl3icted,  the 
a?ed  and  the  young,  may  all  find  their  duty  in  the  Holi/  Bible,  a  book, 
if  we  did  but  know  it,  iull  of  wonder,  life,  wisdom,  goodness,  and  power, 
because  full  of  God  ;  according  as  it  is  written,  *' The  Word  was  with 
God  and  the  Word  was  GoD."  John  i.  1.  In  its  contents  it  is  replete 
with  the  spirit,  and  life,  and  blessing  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  it  is  again 
written,  "  Mi/  words  are  spirit,  and  they  are  life  J*  John  vi,  63.;  and  iif 
its  effects  it  is  productive  of  the  conjunction  of  God  with  man,  and  of 
man  with  God,  agreeable  to  the  declaration  of  the  Great  Redeemer* 
*'  If  any  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words."  John  xiv.  v.  23  . 

If  the  prohibitions  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  Creator,  Redeemer, 
and  Regenerator  of  mankind,  were  universally  regarded  and  his  laws 
obeyed,  what  blessings  would  pour  in  on  society.  There  would  be  nor 
wars  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  no  oppression,  no  tyrants,  no  slaves. 
Every  ruler  would  be  just;  every  citizen  would  be  honest ;  every  parent 
would  be  faithful  to  his  charge ;  every  child  would  be  dutiful ;  the  purest 
affection  would  recommend  domestic  life ;  and  neighbours  would  be  mu- 
tual blessings ;  thus  influenced  by  the  spirit  of  christianit}',  envy,  pride; 
and  jealousy,  would  give  way  to  the  most  enlarged  benevolence.  Humaa 
nature  would  recover  its  dignity ;  and  evei-y  man  would  reap  tlie  present 
reward  of  his  own  virtues. 

Peace  no  doubt  would  be  the  result  if  either  of  the  parties  would  come 
forward^  and  thus  address  their  formidable  foe.  Enough  of  human  blood 
lias  streamed  in  a  conflict,  which,  as  it  advances,  appears  to  throw  its  ob- 
ject and  its  termination  still  farther  from  our  hopes.  Where  both  parties 
Lave  been  perhaps  violent,  ambitious  and  culpable,  recrimination  is  folly  ; 
let  us  forget  past  animosities,  and  let  our  future  contention  be,  which  shall 
prove  the  most  anxious  desire  to  restore  peace  to  an  afl3icted  world.  Our 
conquests  are  inimical  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  human  race ;  let  us 
both  retire  within  those  boundariei  which  nature  and  the  reason  of  things 
evidently  prescribe.  Mutually  irritated  and  disappointed  in  our  projects, 
invective  and  abuse  have  so  far  estranged  us,  that  common  negociation 
will  not  suit  our  uncommon  case  ;  let  us  then  consign  it  into  other  hands. 
Let  us  invite  the  most  enlightened,  and  the  most  beneficent  of  mankind, 
wherever  they  may  be  found,  and  renouncing  our  partial  and  selfish  claims, 
let  us  appeal  to  the  dictates  of  humanity  and  common  sense.  Let  their 
tiieatre  be  the  world,  and  their  object  its  present  pacification,  and  its  fu- 
ture happiness.  Should  their  deliberations  end  in  the  conviction,  that  the 
peace  and  welfare  of  the  world  would  be  promoted  by  every  country  pos- 
sessing its  own  internal  and  independent  government,  let  us  be  prepared 
and  willing  to  make  mutual  and  necessary  sacrifices,  with  this  hope  for  our 
recompence,  that  whatever  »m^  be  lost  in  territory,  will  he  amplyyepaid 
in  commerce,  and  its  corresponding  prosperit i/.  If  universal  peace  should 
then  cause  a  redundant  population,  let  us  encourage  future  colonization, 
but  never  again  with  the  idea  of  subjugating  distant  territories  to  European 
controul.  In  amity  with  every  portion  of  the  habitable  globe,  let  our  ar- 
dour and  enterprize  be  mutually  directed  to  national  honour,  established 
9U  the  imperi;>habk  basis  of  trutli,  of  virtue,  and  of  universal  happhies^. 


.■ii.au;.itiaa.jii!t^Ar.««8<.-  ■. 


h^^ 


I  n  ii  flirllftTtnlft'ifir  iTli  fTiliiir "' 


¥ 


14 

With  such  viewg,  may  that  Providence  on  whom  we  equally  profess  to  re- 
ly, smile  on  the  attempt;  and  posterity  sliali  hail  it  with  their  unaniniuus 
and  fervid  hlessings. 

Should  these  suggestions  be  said  to  savour  of  the  wildness  of  romance — 
It  shall  be  admitted,  if  the  i)rohal)ility  of  their  ado[)tion  is  to  be  consider- 
ed  as  the  sole  test  of  their  nit  lit.  But  are  they  absnrd,  are  they  imprac- 
ticable, are  they  such  that  the  attempt  fo  att  npon  theni  would  end  in 
anarchy  and  confusion.  After  a  coiiHi(  t  of  near  twenty  years,  with  a  loss 
of  perha}>s  a  million  of  lives,  can  an  honest  man  lay  Ids  hand  upon  liis 
heart,  and  say,  that  he  believes  that  every  thiuij;  has  been  done  that  iiinni- 
nity  could  devise,  to  prevent  the  beginnhig  and  the  continuance  of  sudi 
deplorable  calamities. 

IIow  can  any  objector  prove  Ihat  no  good  effect  would  be  produced 
by  the  general  recommendation  of  pa(  ific  principles  ?  For  it  may  reason- 
ably  be  expected,  if  as  nmeli  zeal  was  employed  in  favotsr  of  |>eacc, 
which  is  probably  employed  in  favour  of  war,  it  would  not  be  bcslowcd 
in  vain — and  ifthetolal  evil  cannot  be  immediately  removed,  will  no 
approximation  be  worth  the  altenipt  ? 

Would  it  not  be  prudent  for  every  teacher  of  religion,  to  hold  war  in 
aversion,  and  exert  his  abilities  and  influence  to  lessen  the  sum  of  htujiun 
calamity.  The  like  zeal  which  once  so  powerfully  operated  in  the  aboli- 
tion of  the  slave  trade,  would  have  the  desired  effect,  and  war  would  m 
vet  more  disturb  the  tranquility  of  the  world. — How  weak  and  feeble  niiht 
be  those  arguments,  viz.  that  if  peace  tvas  obtainedy  we  should  proballv 
soon  have  war:  such  reasoners  may  f)e  compared  to  a  person  atflicled  with 
illness  ;  who  obstinately  refuses  medical  assistance,  l>ecause  at  a  future 
penodt  he  may  have  a  return  of  the  same  complaint:  or  like  a  person  sur- 
rounded with  flames,  refuses  to  escape ;  because  at  some  future  period 
he  may  he  in  a  like  situation. 

Others  object  that  the  war  takes  off  those  who  hi  times  of  peace,  wonld 
endanger  their  life  and  property.  But  could  no  means  be  adopted  In  an 
enlightened  age  \o  lessen  the  evil. — Would  it  require  One  hundredlh  purt 
of  the  annual  expemliture  of  war;  to  keep  the  abandoned,  viz  the  thief 
or  murderer,  (in  time  of  peace)  from  committing  depredations  on  society, 
or  corrupting  others; — places  miglit  be  established,  and  proper  governors 
appointed  to  sui)erintend  them,  win  re  they  could  do  no  such  mischief,— 
but  on  the  contrarv,  work  at  some  useful  emplovment,  and  means  ut- 
tempted  for  their  rcformatitm. — Few  uill  admit  that  the  morals  of  the  peo- 
ple are  improved  by  war — Reason,  Flumanity,  nor  Revelation,  teaches  us 
•*  to  do  evil"  that  "  good  may  come," 

In  proportion  d^this  grand  injunction  left  on  record  for  mstmction,  is 
fulfilled,  viz.  *•  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  fo  you,  do  ye 
even  so  to  them."  Matt.  vii.  v.  12. — all  wars,  dissensions,  and  disputes  l»e- 
tween  nation  and  nation,  will  subside;  the  slaughtering  sword  no  lon<:er 
will  be  drawn;  the  lust  of  power,  dignity,  extent  of  dominion,  and  ambi- 
tious pursuits,  will  be  subdued  and  laid  aside ;  great  men  will  become 
good  men,  and  set  an  example  to  their  Inferiors  ;  (livine,  moral,  and  civil 
laws  will  be  revered  and  obeyed,  froui  the  love  of  virtue,  and  the  blessed- 


•It 


15 


ness  of  peace,  and  evil  will  gradually  dscrease  :  the  lord  JEsrs  CHRIST 
more  j)oweiful,  more  joyfully  received,  and  more  faithfidly  improved ; 
jove,  charity,  benevolence,  justice,  truth,  si^briety,  conjugal  affection,  and 
every  virtue  v.  ill  be  cultivated  ;  mankind  brought  into  divine  order,  conjoin- 
ed with  Jesus  Christy  blessed  with  the  spirit  of  religion  and  virtue,  heirs 
of  the  eternal  kingdoni,  and  uniting  with  each  other  in  harmony,  peace, 
and  love,  to  make  their  passage  tiuough  this  world  comfortable  and  hap- 
py, and  their  state  in  the  world  to  come,  more  exalted  and  glorious. — 
The  effects  of  this  change,  and  of  these  heavenly  virtues,  will  be  manifest 
in  the  bodies  and  constitutions  of  men;  aflljctions,  misfortunes,  and  ca> 
laniities,  will  decrease ;  and  even  outward  nature  will  be  renovated,  and 
return  to  a  more  pleasing  state;  the  seasons,  the  elements,  the  animal  and 
vegetable  creation,  will  experience  a  corresponding  change ;  all  nature 
wear  a  more  delightful  aspect,  and  the  whole  earth  prove  a  blooming  pa- 
radise.— See  Leviticus,  Chapter  26",  throughout, 

JMay  nations  a|l,  may  Britons  turn  to  God, 

Reform  their  lives — escape  the  vengeful  rod  : 

Be   this  the  highest  ol)ject,  aim,  and  end, 

The  HEART  TO  PURITY— THE  LIFE  AMEND. 

Peace  is  the  desire  of  humane  men,  and  their  feelings  are  shocked  at 
the  mere  recital  of  human  misery.  O  ye  worthy  of  this  description,  b(* 
firm  and  even  ofHcious  in  pointing  out  the  cause  of  wretchedness  to  unin- 
formed men,  and  your  salutary  efforts  w  ill  be  productive  of  general  haj)pi- 
ness,  and  will  soon  effect  an  universal  veneration  for  the  olive  branch ; 
tliis  will  produce  a  speedy  revival  of  the  relaxed  and  languishing  commerce 
of  nations  ;  it  will  give  lasting  permanence  to  mercantile  correspondence, 
connections,  and  advantages ;  it  will  establish  the  mutual  dependance  of 
nations  and  individuals  upon  a  solid  basis;  it  will  impart  an  effective  influ- 
enre  to  drooping  virtue  and  humafiity;  it  will  give  lasting  exercise  to  in- 
dustry and  talents,  and  plenty  will  be  the  lot  of  all  the  human  race. 

It  may  be  objected  (for  this  is  no  new  excuse)  that  the  morality 
which  the  Gospel  inculcates,  is  too  refined  for  common  practice,  and  that 
it  is  not  to  be  understood  in  the  sublime  and  expanded  sense  which  the  li- 
teral meaning  of  his  precepts  may  convey— that  society  could  nf>t  be  held 
together  with  its  present  imperfections,  on  so  refined  a  plan,  and  that  sup- 
posing a  large  majority  to  act  npon  such  principles,  they  would  be  tramp- 
|o(l  upon  and  outra<^ed  by  the  unprincipled   few. 

Our  blessed  Lord  saitli,  **  A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you,  that 
ye  lov9  one  another"  John  xiii.  v.  34.  :^5. ;  and,  as  a  distinguii,hinf;  cha- 
racteristic of  a   true  christian,  the  Lord  further  adds,  *'  By  this  shall  uli 

men  know  that'  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  hare  lore  one  to  another." ■ 

Love  is  the  grand  cement,  which  unites  heart  to  heart,  and  man  to  man  ; 
<>ne  part  of  the  community  cannot  do  without  the  other—  every  man  is  iu 
his  own  order,  when  the  Lord  is  in  the  midst,  therefore  as  reconciliations 
i'eem  absolutely  necessary  between  nations,  societies,  and  individuals,  it 
would  be  adviseable  to  endeavour  to  approximate,   and  e^^pect  i)otl|ing 


HOlhin''  perfect,  till  you  yourself  are  i)erfect,  and  all  others  above  and  lie. 
low  TO*u.  To  know  the  cause  of  our  present  iiicouveniences,  and  not  en- 
deavour to  remove  them,  is  surely  the  greatest  folly.  Therefore,  let  Lov  e 
to  God  aud  man  expand  your  bosom,  and  animate  your  creed :  such,  be 
assured,  is  the  spirit  of  the  Scriptures,  the  life  of  religion,  the  disposition 
of  everi/  angel,  and  the  life  of  every  good  man. 

To  conclude— Were  we  to  divest  ourselves  for  a  moment  of  that  irrita- 
tion of  miml  and  inflexibility  of  heart,  which  blinds  us  to  all  the  evils  and 
horrors  of  war,  it  would  be  impossible  that  we  should  not  acknowledge 
the  calamities  it  introduces,  and  feel  a  most  sincere  disposition  to  terminate 
them.  If  we  turn  our  eyes  to  the  continent  of  Europe,  what  devastatiou 
and  slaughter  has  it  occasioned  from  the  confines  of  Russia  to  the  southern 
extremity  of  Italy  !  If  we  look  to  Egypt  or  South  America,  we  still  find 
the  same  cause  for  sorrow  and  regret.  At  no  period  of  society  have  the 
contests  of  the  field  been  more  obstinate,  or  attended  with  such  a  profuse 
destruction  of  human  life.  To  the  sufferings  and  the  death  of  the  thou- 
sands who  have  fallen,  we  are  to  add  the  misery  and  the  rum  ©f  the  tens 
of  thousands  who  survive  them,  who  have  to  lament  the  death  of  their  re- 
latives, their  protectors,  and  friends  ;  languishing  in  grief,  hunger,  and 
wretchedness.  Nor  though  this  country,  from  its  insular  situation,  has 
hiterto  been  exempt  from  these  horrors,  can  we  flatter  ourselves  that  we 
bave  escaped  uninjured.  Even  the  higher  classes  of  the  community  deep- 
ly feel,  in  the  increasing  burthens  of  the  state,  the  eff'ects  of  the  long  con- 
tinued system  of  warfare  in  which  we  have  been  involved.  It  is  true,  all 
this  and  much  more  ought  to  be  suffered,  if  we  have  an  object  m  view 
adequate  to  the  sacrifice.  For  life  itself  cannot  be  better  lost  than  in  the 
iervice  of  our  country.  But  to  be  apprehensive  of  distant  dangers  and 
insensible  to  those  which  are  immediately  impending,  is  surely  <the  greatest 
folly  imaginable,  that  could  be  conceived  by  nitional  human  bemgs.  H  is 
presumed  every  reader,  who  has  attentively  read  the  foresjoing  pages,  will 
admit  the  design  of  this  publication  is  not  intended  to  create  strife,  conttn 
tion,  tumult,  anarchy  or  confusion,  but  that  the  very  reverse  is  strmeously 
recommended,  viz.  an  endeavour  to  promote  peace,  hidustry,  aud  chrislian 
philanthropy,  so  essential  to  the  happiness  of  all  mankind, 


Pnntcd  by  K.  VtaH  ^  Co.  38,  Bull  btnct,  Jiinningfrnn, 


